Pope Leo XIV has delivered a powerful message to religious leaders gathered in Assisi, Italy, declaring that violence can never be justified in God’s name and urging believers to become instruments of peace in a world increasingly divided by conflict.
In a video message delivered Tuesday to participants in the International Meeting for Peace, the Holy Father called for renewed commitment to prayer, dialogue, and reconciliation, emphasizing that religious faith must bring people together rather than become a justification for violence.
According to Vatican News, the three-day gathering, organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio, brought religious leaders together under the theme “Unarmed and Disarming Peace.”
The meeting also marked the 40th anniversary of the historic World Day of Prayer for Peace, convened in Assisi by Pope St. John Paul II on October 27, 1986.
Reflecting on the significance of that anniversary, Pope Leo emphasized that the mission begun four decades ago remains urgently relevant today.
“We must rebuild peace everywhere, not prepare for more wars,” the Pope declared.
His message challenged the idea that religion can ever provide moral justification for armed conflict.
“War can never be waged in the name of God,” Pope Leo insisted. “There is no such thing as a holy war: only peace is holy.”
The Holy Father warned against allowing religious beliefs to be manipulated in support of violence, stressing that genuine faith must inspire reconciliation and respect for human dignity.
He also pointed to the growing influence of what he described as a “culture of power,” arguing that the world urgently needs to rediscover the principles that inspired the original Assisi gathering.
According to Vatican News, Pope Leo described the spirit of Assisi as a commitment to rejecting religious justifications for war while embracing mediation, dialogue, prayer, and meaningful action in pursuit of peace.
He called for peace to become the foundation of decisions made by individuals, communities, and nations, rather than an ideal pursued only after violence has occurred.
For Catholics, the Pope’s message also served as a reminder that prayer remains essential even when the world’s conflicts appear overwhelming.
“Prayer may seem weak in the face of the powers of the world,” Pope Leo acknowledged, “but it is the humble strength of believers.”
The Holy Father encouraged believers to trust in God’s ability to transform hearts, including those responsible for perpetuating violence.
“Let us turn to God, the giver of peace, that he may touch the hearts of those who seek war and terrorism,” he urged. “Let us not forget that prayer is never in vain.”
Beyond prayer, Pope Leo emphasized the responsibility of religious leaders to encourage communication and understanding within their communities and throughout society.
He called for an approach that replaces hostility and arrogance with negotiation, mutual respect, and a willingness to listen.
According to Vatican News, the Pope explained that fostering this culture of dialogue is necessary to help humanity gradually escape recurring cycles of violence.
The Holy Father also expressed his regret at being unable to attend the gathering in person, particularly as participants assembled near the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi.
“I would very much like to have been with you at the tomb of Saint Francis on this important anniversary,” he said, expressing his desire to witness the gathering’s message of fraternity firsthand.
The location carried particular significance. Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, has become an enduring symbol of the Church’s commitment to peace, humility, and reconciliation.
Forty years after Pope St. John Paul II brought religious representatives together in prayer, Pope Leo’s message reaffirmed that the pursuit of peace requires both spiritual commitment and concrete action.
His appeal extended beyond the participants gathered in Assisi, offering Catholics everywhere a challenge to reject hatred, practice reconciliation, and become witnesses to Christ’s peace in their daily lives.
Concluding his message, Pope Leo expressed his hope that the prayers offered in Assisi would help bring peace to nations suffering from conflict.
He asked the Lord to “make us unarmed instruments of His peace.”
As wars and divisions continue to affect communities around the world, the Pope’s message offers a reminder that peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but a responsibility that begins with the choices, prayers, and actions of every believer.
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